Hintz, Codispoti Lift Scranton To Victory

September 27, 2014

SELINSGROVE, Pa. – Sophomore goalkeeper Eric Hintz (South Windsor, Conn./South Windsor) saved a penalty kick midway through the second half and sophomore defender Pat Codispoti (Rockville Centre, N.Y./Chaminade) scored in the 80th minute to lift The University of Scranton men’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Susquehanna in the Lanadmark Conference opener for both teams at Sassafras Field on Saturday.

While Codispoti’s goal gave the Royals (6-2-1, 1-0 Landmark) the victory, it was Hintz’s save in the 63rd minute that energized the team. He dove to his left to make the save with his arm fully extended, then scrambled to his feet to clear the ball off the line and keep the game scoreless. It was the third of his five saves on the day as he posted his fourth shutout of the season and ninth of his career.

Codispoti gave Scranton the only goal it needed when he connected on a header off a corner kick by freshman midfielder Gavin Coutts (Mendham, N.J./West Morris Mendham). It was Codispoti’s first goal of the season as well as the third of his career and second game-winner. Coutts picked up his first career assist.

Scranton held a slim 18-15 advantage in shots against Susquehanna (4-5-2, 0-1). The difference, however, was Scranton put 10 shots on goal to five for the Crusaders. Susquehanna held an 8-7 edge in corner kicks.

Senior forward Kevin Kozic (Raritan, N.J./Immaculata) led the Royals with four shots.

Scranton returns to action on Wednesday, Oct. 1, when the Royals travel to Wilkes-Barre to face Wilkes at 7 p.m.

--ROYALS--